Early in 2007, Mina Ahadi, together with a group of colleagues, set up the Central Council of ex-Muslims in Germany. After declaring that her motive was to help people to leave the religion if they wanted, she was put under police protection as a result of anonymous death threats. Many interpreters of Islam say that Islamic law mandates a death sentence for apostates.
Ms Ahadi pointed out that the need for police protection showed how necessary the organisation was. She wanted the group to give a voice to those Europeans of Muslim origin who were not adequately represented by existing Muslim organisations in Germany She also wanted in particular to help women who were oppressed by the rules of the faith.
Ms Ahadi said that about 3.5 million people from many different backgrounds were being lumped together as Muslims, when the only thing most of them had in common was the fact that they were human beings.
Western governments were treating Muslim organisations as though they really spoke for all these people, but in practice they represented only a small minority.

Other European Countries

Following the German launch, others have followed, with help and support from the German council, in the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Britain. We print below the Manifesto of the Council of Ex-Muslims in Britain, since it is in English.

Manifesto of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain

We, non-believers, atheists, and ex-Muslims, are establishing or joining the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain to insist that no one be pigeonholed as Muslims with culturally relative rights nor deemed to be represented by regressive Islamic organisations and 'Muslim community leaders'.

Those of us who have come forward with our names and photographs represent countless others who are unable or unwilling to do so because of the threats faced by those considered 'apostates' - punishable by death in countries under Islamic law.

By doing so, we are breaking the taboo that comes with renouncing Islam but also taking a stand for reason, universal rights and values, and secularism.

Whilst religion or the lack thereof is a private affair, the increasing intervention of and devastation caused by religion and particularly Islam in contemporary society has necessitated our public renunciation and declaration. We represent a majority in Europe and a vast secular and humanist protest movement in countries like Iran.

Taking the lead from the Central Council of Ex-Muslims in Germany, we demand:
1. Universal rights and equal citizenship for all. We are opposed to cultural relativism and the tolerance of inhuman beliefs, discrimination and abuse in the name of respecting religion or culture.
2. Freedom to criticise religion. Prohibition of restrictions on unconditional freedom of criticism and expression using so-called religious 'sanctities'.
3. Freedom of religion and atheism.
4. Separation of religion from the state and legal and educational system.
5. Prohibition of religious customs, rules, ceremonies or activities that are incompatible with or infringe people's rights and freedoms.
6. Abolition of all restrictive and repressive cultural and religious customs which hinder and contradict woman's independence, free will and equality. Prohibition of segregation of sexes.
7. Prohibition of interference by any authority, family members or relatives, or official authorities in the private lives of women and men and their personal, emotional and sexual relationships and sexuality.
8. Protection of children from manipulation and abuse by religion and religious institutions.
9. Prohibition of any kind of financial, material or moral support by the state or state institutions to religion and religious activities and institutions.
10. Prohibition of all forms of religious intimidation and threats.